1. Introduction

A. A Definition of Ethics
B. On Being Ethical
C. Principles, Rules, and Ethical Dilemmas

2. Three Theories of Ethics
3. Ethics in Accounting

A. The Study of Business Ethics
B. The Study of Accounting Ethics

Objectives:

Define ethics.
Differentiate between utilitarianism and deontology.
Explain how the ethics of care helps one differentiate between right and wrong.
List the four most common forms of ethical issues that arise in business.
Summarize the six conflicts of duty commonly encountered in the accounting profession.

II. AICPA Ethics
1. Principles of Professional Conduct
2. Rules of the Code of Professional Conduct and interpretations
Objectives:
Differentiate between the principles and rules of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
List three types of attest services.
Give examples of how independence can be impaired in an attest service.
Differentiate between integrity and objectivity.
Give examples of conflict of interest.
Define contingent fees and commissions and when they are forbidden in accounting services.
III. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
1. Prohibited services
2. Services not prohibited
Objectives:
List the primary reasons why the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted.
List the services that are prohibited by the Act.
List the services that are not prohibited by the Act.
IV. Standards for Tax Services

1. Statements on Standards for Tax Services
Objectives:
Describe the duties the CPA has in preparing taxes.
Describe the circumstances under which a CPA should not recommend a tax position.
List the grounds for omitting an answer to a question on a tax return.
V. Standards for Consulting Services
1. Statement on Standards for Consulting Services
Objectives:
Give examples of consulting services.
List activities that would not be considered consulting services.

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